I first heard a sermon over 45 years ago titled “The Hounds of Hell.” Bro. Bass, a hunter, described how his trained dogs would track their prey relentlessly—up mountains, through valleys, across rivers—never stopping until their target was cornered, exhausted, and alone. He compared it to how Satan and his demons track us, waiting for us to stumble.
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) warns us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The enemy is relentless. He will chase us through every twist and turn, pressing in until we feel trapped with no escape.
But yesterday morning, I was reminded of a different pursuit—one not of destruction, but of love.
I pulled a book from my shelf titled A Gentle Thunder and saw the title of chapter two: “The Hound of Heaven: The God Who Pursues.”
Francis Thompson’s poem describes God as “that tremendous Lover, pursuing me with His love.” Unlike the enemy, who seeks to destroy, Jesus pursues with grace, patience, and mercy.
Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Satan’s hounds chase to wear you down.
But Jesus stands at the door, waiting for you to open it.
He doesn’t force His way in. He doesn’t demand entry. He simply knocks.
Maybe today, you feel exhausted—like you’re running from something you can’t escape. The enemy has been on your trail, whispering lies, making you feel trapped.
But hear this: Jesus is pursuing you, too. Not with pressure, but with love. Not with force, but with grace.
He stands at the door.
He knocks.
He waits.
The question is—will you let Him in?
